- What is a Mohel?
- Why do Jews practise circumcision?
- Are there medical benefits to circumcision?
- Is the circumcision procedure used by a Mohel similar to the procedure used by a doctor in the hospital?
- Is the circumcision procedure painful for a newborn baby?
- How long does the circumcision take?
- What is the proper day to have the circumcision (Bris Milah)?
- What is the proper location as to where to have the circumcision and ceremony?
- How much does the mohel charge?
A mohel is a person who is certified to be capable and knowledgeable in both the surgical aspects of performing circumcision as well as the traditional aspects of performing a kosher circumcision and the traditional ceremony.
G-d commanded the first Jew, the Patriarch Abraham, to circumcise himself as well as to have all his future generations also circumcised.
Many doctors believe, and many studies show that there are medical benefits from circumcision. Please see our page "Medical Benefits" and our page "Philosophy of Circumcision" for more information on the medical benefits from circumcision.
There are various methods available for the circumcision procedure. Rabbi Boruch Mozes uses the traditional method used by many mohels. Please see our page "Surgical Procedures for Circumcision" for more information on the methods for performing the circumcision procedure.
It is difficult to judge, just how much pain the baby endures during the circumcision procedure. It is the experience of Rabbi Boruch Mozes, that most babies resume their normal pre-circumcision schedule and routine soon after the circumcision.
The amount of time for the circumcision greatly depends upon the surgical method being used for the circumcision. Rabbi Boruch Mozes employs the traditional method of circumcision using a shield. (See our page "Surgical Procedures for Circumcision"). In most cases the entire circumcision procedure takes about one minute. As methods and speeds for the circumcision procedure vary from mohel to mohel, a person should consult their mohel for more information. When Rabbi Mozes performs circumcision, the entire circumcision ceremony including the blessings and the naming ceremony, usually takes about ten to fifteen minutes.
If the baby was born in good health then the proper day is the eighth day. Therefore, if a baby was born on Sunday at 1:00pm, the circumcision should be done on the following Sunday at anytime between sunrise and sunset. Babies born through a cesarean delivery are not circumcised on Saturday (the Jewish Sabbath). If the baby is unwell, then the circumcision is postponed for one week after the baby is declared by his physician to be in good health. If the baby is jaundice (which may be noticed by a yellowish color in the face and upper body) then sometimes the circumcision is postponed. Where issues of health arise, the mohel should consult with the doctor and family to determine the proper time to do the circumcision. When there is doubt, the mohel should always air on the side of caution.
A circumcision (Bris milah) may be done in any suitable location. Usually people make it in their home, synagogue, or in a catering establishment.
The amount of money a mohel receives for performing a circumcision (Bris Milah) varies from mohel to mohel. Generally, an experienced mohel receives somewhere around $500 to $600 for a circumcision. A mohel will usually take into account travel time when he travels a great distance.
Rabbi Boruch Mozes does not refuse a circumcision (Bris Milah) because of a person's inability to afford it and arrangements can be made for a circumcision (Bris Milah) at no charge.